Meaning: This quote is from the renowned collection of Persian poetry, "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam," translated by Edward Fitzgerald in the 19th century. The Rubaiyat is a series of quatrains or four-line stanzas that explore themes of love, mortality, and the human experience. The particular quatrain you've quoted delves into the complex and often contradictory nature of wine, capturing the poet's ambivalence toward its allure and its potential for moral and spiritual degradation.

In this verse, the speaker reflects on the seductive and deceptive nature of wine, personifying it as an unfaithful companion that has stripped them of their "Robe of Honor." The use of the term "Infidel" suggests a betrayal of faith or trust, highlighting the negative impact that wine has had on the speaker's sense of dignity and integrity. This imagery conveys a sense of loss and disillusionment, as the speaker grapples with the consequences of indulging in wine and its intoxicating effects.

The second half of the quatrain shifts to a contemplative tone as the speaker expresses wonder at the vintners, the wine merchants, and the value they place on the product they sell. The question posed by the speaker suggests a critical examination of the disparity between the perceived worth of wine and its actual intrinsic value. The notion that the vintners may not fully appreciate the true significance of what they are selling adds a layer of irony to the verse, as it hints at the potential for self-deception and misplaced priorities in the pursuit of material gain.

Fitzgerald's translation of the Rubaiyat is celebrated for its lyrical and evocative language, as well as its ability to capture the rich philosophical and existential themes present in the original Persian verses attributed to Omar Khayyam. The poet's skillful adaptation of these timeless quatrains has contributed to the enduring appeal of the Rubaiyat, making it a cherished literary work that continues to resonate with readers across generations and cultures.

The theme of wine in the Rubaiyat is multifaceted, symbolizing not only the sensory pleasures and escapism associated with intoxication but also the moral and metaphysical implications of indulging in earthly pleasures. The portrayal of wine as both a source of temptation and a catalyst for introspection reflects the complex relationship between human desires and the quest for deeper meaning and understanding.

Moreover, the contrast between the allure of wine and its potential for moral corruption underscores the broader themes of transience and the fleeting nature of human existence. The transient nature of pleasure and the ephemeral nature of worldly pursuits are recurring motifs in the Rubaiyat, serving as poignant reminders of the impermanence of life and the importance of seeking spiritual fulfillment beyond material gratification.

In conclusion, this quatrain from the "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam" encapsulates the timeless themes of temptation, disillusionment, and introspection, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of human experience and the pursuit of meaning in a world marked by impermanence and contradiction. Fitzgerald's masterful translation elevates the verse to a poetic masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire readers with its profound insights into the human condition.